The new era for Australia in the Test Cricket will begin in the upcoming Ashes starting on December 8 at Gabba as Pat Cummins has officially named as the captain of the national side. Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Pat Cummins will lead the side while Steve Smith will be acting as a deputy to the New South Wales star.
In a statement from CA chief Nick Hockley,” Pat is an outstanding player and leader;he has earned enormous respect from his teammates and from all corners of the game for his attitude and achievements, both on and off the field.”
The right-arm pace bowler was due to act as deputy to former skipper Tim Paine, but with Paine now out indefinitely. The reason mentioned for Paines’s absence is indefinite ‘mental health break’. The 36-year-old was due to lead Australia in their opening Ashes Test, in what would have been his 37th birthday as well. The right-handed-batter was involved in a scandal recently.
Cummins will make his captaincy debut on December 8 in the opening test in Brisbane. In doing so he becomes 47th different player to lead Australia in Tests, joining the likes of Allan Border, Picky Ponting to be part of an illustrious company. He joins a very rare company of players to lead Australia being a pace bowler.
